By Olivia Minnier

Two residents are utilizing use new technology to help them become more independent.

Chris Laird, 38, and Ben Laird, 36, both Delaware residents, have found the iBill Talking Banknote Identifier device incredibly helpful in giving them the tools to achieve their goals.

The iBill Talking Banknote Identifier is a small, handheld device that quickly and accurately identifies the denomination of U.S. currency. It provides three modes of identification – voice, tones, or vibrations – to accommodate different needs and preferences. The device is a tool for people who are blind or visually impaired, providing them with independence and peace of mind when handling currency.

“If I have trouble reading a particular bill, just push the button,” said Ben.

Ben said while he can usually read bills, it’s beneficial when he really needs to be sure about how much money he has, or when he’s “in the heat of the moment” at a store or paying somewhere in the community.

Chris said that other people in their lives have found the device helpful as well.

“[When] grandma has the bill for rent and the electric bill, sometimes she counts it too fast for her own good, so sometimes we’re short like 20 bucks, so he [Ben] uses it to make sure,” he said.

Ben said they were almost short on an electric bill recently, and thanks to the iBill, they could make sure they had the right amount of cash to pay.

Chris said that he used it to help figure out the right bills he needed to purchase a replica R5 robot from the Star Wars franchise after a percentage discount.

“After counting everything out, I was able to pay for him,” he said.

Ben and Chris both use the iBill device in different ways. Ben uses beeps to indicate the currency amount. Chris prefers to use auditory prompts.

The devices have also helped expand the brother’s abilities to be more independent. Michelle Schwab, the DCBDD Service and Support Administrator for Ben and Chris, said they both have recently opened their own bank accounts and are no longer having their finances run through a family member.

Michelle said their unstoppable personalities have contributed to their ability to approach milestones with ease. Additionally, their fun nature has made working with both brothers enjoyable for her.

“They are so much fun to talk to and they always have so much to say,” she said. 

Both Chris and Ben are excited to be more involved in the community through social activities and continuing to manage their own money with the help of the iBill.

“They never cease to amaze me with their level of independence, nothing holds them back,” she said.

Interested in obtaining a free iBill device for yourself or someone in your life? Visit this page for more information: www.dcbdd.org/ibill-money-identifier-program/